Jihadi groups in Syria fear they may be targeted by American air strikes and
are considering changing locations to avoid attacks, according to messages
posted on extremist websites.

Warnings circulating among al-Qaeda linked groups claim the US is planning to destroy chemical weapons sites and Syria’s air defence systems in a first wave of attacks, to be followed by a second wave of Cruise missiles targeting Sharia courts and camps run by the Nusra Front and Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

“Independent Islamist groups have been urged to change their locations and to remain extremely alert for signs of forthcoming US attacks,” concludes the message, posted on the Ansar al-Mujahideen forum.

It also claimed that leaders of Islamist battalions would be targeted.

Other Jihadi forums have also published advice on protection against chemical weapons and have promised revenge for the apparent poison gas attack on Ghouta.

Free Syrian Army officials in Jordan say the rebel command has swapped information on key targets with the US.

American newspapers, quoting unnamed officials, say all the targets would be connected with the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

However, critics of strikes claim that a weakened regime may allow al-Qaeda-linked groups the space to prosper.

The Nusra Front has emerged as one of the strongest rebel factions, with a reputation for spectacular bomb attacks and fearless fighters.

It has been designated as a terrorist group by the United Nations, United Kingdom and America, and earlier this year claimed responsibility for a double suicide bombing that killed 55 people in Damascus.